Project Food Blog #9: The Coup: Breaking Ground in Cowtown

December 5, 2010Angela (Oh She Glows)

by Angela (Oh She Glows) on December 5, 2010

Surrounded by acres of cattle fields, cowboy boots, and hay stacks, the last place you’d expect to find a thriving vegetarian restaurant is in the centre of a beef-loving city known by many as Cowtown.

Calgary, Alberta is known for their juicy beef and world-famous Calgary Stampede, but many aren’t aware of the vegetarian movement that has been gaining momentum over the past decade.

Ten years ago, Tabitha Archer and Dalia Kohen met as 20-year-olds while slinging bacon and pouring coffee, perhaps an odd vocation for two long-time vegetarians, but a vocation that would serve as inspiration for a better future. With the world as their oyster, they would share their aspirations over steaming hot coffee and crisp mountain air, dreaming to one day open a vegetarian restaurant.

‘We all must eat, so why not do our part with social and environmental responsibility?’, they questioned.

Like many successful people, their ambitions were met with criticism, concern, and discouragement from others; many thought their risky business venture would never make the cut. Tabitha and Dalia stood their ground believing that Calgary was now ready for its first vegetarian restaurant. They grabbed the bull by the horns- or rather, the weed by the root- and began a journey on a road less traveled.

Because sometimes, taking the road less traveled is what makes life truly worthwhile.

In November 2004, The Coup opened its transparent doors, inviting herbivores and carnivores alike to experience their creative vegetarian fare and vibrant, hip atmosphere that supports local, whole, and organic foods. Much to the surprise of their critics, the community welcomed them with open arms.

Their mission was simple, yet empowering: The Coup would be a space to gather, socialize, and meet new people while enjoying creative vegetarian cuisine made from scratch. Supporting local farmers is a priority and their unused food is composted for use as soil in their vegetable garden. To help reduce waste, customers receive a discount on take-out fare if they bring in their own containers and to offset their own waste, they plant trees every year with Tree Canada. Tabitha and Dalia also give back to the community by donating a percentage of their profits to local charities.

Now this, was something I could sink my teeth into.

With my pen, tiny notepad, and camera in hand, I grabbed my two best taste-testing buddies and experienced all that The Coup has to offer.

I was willing to eat as much as required to accomplish my mission.

Dining on a Tuesday around lunchtime, we were quickly greeted at the door and seated by the large, front window overlooking a street view of monochromatic concrete.

The concrete interior, however, was revived with bright paint and vivid decor, resulting in an unpretentious eclectic charm. Fun and unapologetic, this restaurant doesn’t try to be something it’s not. The walls are bursting with funky peacock blue and canary yellow, accented with local artwork and vivid, fresh green plants.

Earthy green painted wooden table tops and matching wooden chairs pack the intimate and casual 40-seat room with a small bar at the back featuring a plethora of local and organic wines, beer, and liqueurs.

The restaurant was about half full, made up of casual, cowboy boot wearing Westerners and laid-back hipsters from university students to the retired crowd. While snagging a table was no problem on a weekday, there are often long waits on the weekend due to The Coup’s strict no reservation policy.

Our server, referred to as ‘Hell-yea’ on the receipt, was the shy and sweet hippie type with curly tussled hair whose big doe eyes lit up the room and enticed us with each of her favourite menu picks. She was patient with our questions and walked us through the small but varied and seasonal menu, starting with soul-warming drinks, leading us through small bite appetizers and all-time favourite entrées. I was pleased to find out that adapting vegetarian menu items into vegan fare was ‘no problem at all’, with Hell-yea winking her pretty eye as if she had done it herself a million times.

Something to warm our souls, the hot mugs arrived to our table in just a few minutes.

The heavenly aroma of luscious coconut and spicy cinnamon floated through the air as the Coconut Chai Latte was proudly presented to our table with a knowing smile from Hell-yea.

Chai tea, almond milk, coconut milk, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup were steamed together to create a drink that was creamy on the palate, warming the insides as it went down. The whimsical and playful coconut was brought back to earth with the serious woody flavour of the Chai. With each sip I was transported to a sunny, tropical beach that made me forget about the snow, cold, and ice teasing me through the frosted window.

Well, almost.

The short ingredient list of the Matcha Latte (steamed almond milk and Matcha green tea powder) appealed to my love for simple, uncomplicated food. The fluffy, green clouds intrigued me in a strange way, but then again I’ve never been one to shy away from green drinks.

The Matcha Latte was offered with a shot of pure maple syrup as most customers find the combination alone quite bitter tasting, but I didn’t mind the lack of sweetener. While it was the complete opposite of the luscious Coconut Chai Latte, I loved its minimalist quality and how the sharpness of the Matcha was caressed by the creamy, steamed almond milk. It warmed and energized me without filling me up before the meal.

Not long after lingering over our hot mugs, the appetizers came out at just the right moment.

We shared the exuberant Beatnuts Paté composed of mixed nuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, beets, garlic, lemon, kosher salt, dill, and olive oil. The Goat cheese, which is normally stacked on top of the paté, was served on the side for an easy vegan adaptation.

Its vibrant deep pink hue was unexpected and inviting as were the crisp, fresh slices of juicy cucumbers. The paté was crunchy and thick thanks to the processed mixed nuts, but it wasn’t heavy due to the lingering sweetness from the beets and gentle tartness from the lemon, dill, and garlic. Everything was smoothed out with a splash of olive oil that made this unique paté one to remember.

Other appetizers included the Sesame Yam Dip and the Sundried Tomato Hummus served with toasted organic Foccacia bread and blue corn chips (a substitute for the non-vegan lavash).

Made up of yams, kosher salt, date paste, and pure sesame oil, the Sesame Yam Dip was creamy and smooth, but a bit too fruity and sweet.

The Sundried Tomato Hummus was a crowd pleaser: smooth and savoury with a bite from the garlic and sundried tomatoes. It went well with both the toasted Foccacia bread and chips, making this the favourite dip at our table.

The entrées also arrived at the right moment, just as our conversation turned to thoughts of our next course. Eric and I shared the El Tacos that weremade up of naturally sweetened beans, avocado, shredded carrots, quinoa, and salsa grilled in a sprouted grain tortilla served with a side of soy yogurt .

The El Tacos are a creative and delicious take on traditional beef tacos. The beans were heated up with chili powder, jalapeno and chipotle peppers and cooled down with a touch of sweetener. The fresh shredded carrots and beets provided a juicy, crunchy texture and the quinoa and salsa mixture was an unusual twist that surely beefed up the tacos, making this dish one that you could easily share with another. The only thing I missed was a traditional crunchy corn taco shell packing everything in.

On the side, Organic Hash Potatoes that were crispy, flavourful, and garnished with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped green onions, pan seared and seasoned to perfection.

We also shared the Club Med Salad, a hefty portion of falafel, pickles, olives, shredded carrots, sundried tomatoes, sprouts, and banana peppers on top of organic mixed greens.

Thick, lush, and creamy with a sharp, peppery quality, the Tahini Lemon Garlic dressing had me coming back for more and made eating a bowl of vegetables downright exciting. While the vegetables were plentiful and fresh, the falafel was lacklustre in taste and dry in texture.

To wet my whistle during the meal, I sipped on fresh Cranberry Mango Ginger juice that was the perfect combination of sweet mango, followed by a kick of tangy cranberry and spicy ginger going down the hatch.

Dessert was the only time we noticed the wait during our meal, taking about 20 minutes to arrive. I sampled the flirtatious Organic Chocolate Torte complete with a chocolate spelt crust drizzled with raspberry compote and garnished with mint.

Rich, chocolaty, and moist, the chocolate spelt crust was the highlight of the torte. The chocolate filling, however, was tofu based and resulted in a strange, spongy texture and a dull, bland flavour that left a lot to be desired. Even the fruity and tart raspberry compote couldn’t save this tofu heavy pie.

I would have loved to see this pie brought to the next level with a less processed tofu alternative.

Up next, a classic frozen dessert that we were all excited about: The Banana Split.

A delectable show-stopper that made our jaws drop and mouths salivate, the Banana Split was made up of organic banana, peanuts, warm chocolate sauce, and raspberry compote on top of 3 scoops of vegan ice cream sprinkled with toasted coconut. The portion was large enough to share, but it was so delicious we wished we didn’t have to.

The vegan ice cream was undeniably smooth and rich with a salty peanut crunch and a waterfall of cascading sauces, without tasting overly sweet or syrupy. The mix of warm chocolate and cold ice cream was almost sinful on the palate satisfying every greedy bite.

The three of us enjoyed a relaxing meal together reminiscing old times and devouring mouth-watering, simple food. We finished our meal feeling energized and full, but not at all weighed down.

Smiling and satisfied, our romance with The Coup was drawing to a close. Just as we were leaving, I spotted from the corner of my eye The Coup cookbook featuring The Coup’s most loved recipes of all time.

It wasn’t ideal, but I figured I could make a long-distance relationship work…

As soon as I stepped off the plane, I walked into my kitchen and cooked my little heart out. I didn’t stop until I was covered in flour, beet juice, coconut milk, and other unidentifiable ingredients.

These are a few of my favourite dishes that I adapted from the cookbook (with permission) so you can experience The Coup in your very own kitchen! All of the recipes below are quick to prepare and incredibly delicious.

I also made my own version of a vegan Chocolate Torte. I will be featuring a step-by-step post of the torte this week so keep your eyes peeled. Click here for a PDF of the recipes.

The Coup’s popularity is exceeding expectations and its vibrant and creative cuisine- aside from a few soy heavy items- are breaking stereotypes about vegetarian and vegan food. Even celebrities like Moby and Casey Affleck have been known to pop in for a tantalizing bite. The service is down to earth, the portions are hefty, and the price tag is easy to swallow with entrées in the $7-$13 range.

Dalia and Tabitha are strong entrepreneurial women who have paved the way for vegetarian fare in Cowtown and have inspired those around them to discover a new way of eating that is not only delicious, but also friendly to our earth, animals, ourselves, and those around us.

I walked away from The Coup, with cookbook clenched in hand, feeling more inspired and empowered than I have in a long time.

Great post Angela! I really felt like I got a great feel for the restaurant, ambiance, and food at this place. Loved your photographs as well! That beet dip is such a beautiful color. Of course, I will be voting for you, as always ;)

Nice to see you had fun in “cowtown” :) The Coup is one of my favourite restaurants (and best vegetarian restaurant in town) and I go there a few times a month! My favourite recipe in their book is the cashew yam burger. I just wish they had their miso gravy recipe in there, its the best dipping sauce!

I second the yam burger, it’s hard for me to order something different when I’m at the Coup.
I haven’t been there in a couple months but your descriptions make me want to gather the troups and go for dinner. I’ve also been debating about getting the cookbook for a while.
I’m behind with your posts but did you get a chance to go to Gratitude Cafe in Kensington? It’s not as good as the Coup but they’ve got some nice items on their menu.

Oh my goodness! The Coup is one of the best restaurants in Calgs. I’m from Edmonton, AB but going to the school out east in the states. Your last couple posts about AB has made me crazy homesick and appreciate the beauty of where I am from.

Angela, I adore your blog. You are truly an inspiring individual. Keep doing what you’re doing.

Angela, I love your posts because they talk about brand names and places that I recognize, being a fellow Canadian/maritimer and all :) I will definitely check out this restaurant next time I’m in “Cowtown” (usually once a year).
You’ve got my vote ;)

Wow, Angela, you should be a writer! Your descriptions are amazing!!! Thank you so much for making so many things from spelt flour instead of wheat! Being wheat-free is a lot less hard thanks to you! Can you post a recipe for the tacos sometime? They sound amazing!!!

Loved reading this post after a fun day of snowboarding, sipping tea on the couch. :) You really made the food come to life with the way you described it and the photos were extremely vibrant. Great twist to recreate some of the recipes at home!! Good luck this round!!! :) xo

Actually, I do this every day. I never set out to be this way, but I just am. I recently posted that to try to conform would be harder than marching to my own beat. Even tho it’s not an “easy” path always.

Ok I’ll shut up about me now :)

This whole post is awesome, starting w/ your boots and the pics of you ending w/ the desserts (choc torte!!) and the entrees and the sentiment, vibe, and loveliness that you captured.

Love the description of your hippie server, and also what these ladies are trying to do in cow-town. Build it an they will come, type of thing.

Wow, the Coup looks like an amazing restaurant. Every dish sounds downright delectable! It’s a shame that the chocolate torte wasn’t up to par, but the banana split surely made up for it. I am going to have to try my hand at some of those recipes!

Great post Angela – you’ve definitely hit it right on the spot. I could taste the food and know what to expect without actually being there, which is, of course.. the point! I also loved how you weren’t afraid to give constructive feedback!

I look forward to reading your posts regularly, but I especially do on the contest posts. I’m sure much work goes into each one but you make them look effortless and fun. I think you could turn me into a vegan.

I’m so glad you discovered this little gem of a restaurant. Love this place! Next time go for dinner and try their dragon bowl with quinoa and the tahini miso gravy! It’s amazing. They won’t give away the recipe for it but I’ve made my own version that came pretty close :).

Crazy…I live right off 17th in the SW of Calgary and I’ve never even heard of this place. I have three roommates…one is a vegetarian and two of us are pescatarians so we’ll have to try that place out soon. I’m also psyched that you were in my neck of the woods, I love your blog!

Fantastic work, Ange! You have my vote and support till the sweet (never bitter!!!) end ;)
I tweaked your Wedded Bliss Soft Ginger Cookies to make Vegan Gingersnaps for my papa. He likes crispy cookies so I swapped out 1/4 cup of the flour for ground oats (run through the food processor to make a flour) and baked them for 15 minutes instead of 10. Great success! I may have tasted one… or six… for quality control :) Thank you, as always, for the inspiration. You’re the best!

Congratulations on making it to the next round of Project Food Blog. The Coup sounds like an awesome restaurant. Your description of the food made my mouth water. I really wish there were more vegetarian/vegan options for dining out. There is only one vegan cafe in Winnipeg which is doing extremely well in the short time it has been open, but serves mainly burgers. A restaurant like The Coup would be a welcome addition.

Great review and pictures. So glad we got some recipes out of it too because I was feeling left out of your experience, LOL :) I think eating vegan is exciting and you have proved it even more. Thanks girl!

I checked out the website for the Coup and I am majorly impressed! Especially considering the price range. It is more than reasonable. A very thoughtful and well presented review. Those restaurant pictures are stunning!

haha I didn’t know this was for project food blog until the very end… I was reading the whole thing going “wow, she’s really getting into this restaurant, I like that… and she’s being really honest… that’s awesome! I really like this post… I want to eat there”.

Great job on your post! One of the greatest experiences in my life was working for the COUP a few years ago. My world was opened up to a whole new way of living and taking care of one self. It was unfortunately was also one of the greatest regrets of my life as well. I walked away from Tabitha, Dalia and the COUP quickly and unfairly due to some things going on in my life at the time. I look back on that decision and the way I handed it with sadness. They are truly a wonderful bunch of people to work with and I hope that if Tabitha or Dalia is reading your post/comments they see this and know that I am truly sorry for leaving the way I did and I hope that there is a time when I would be able to sit down for dinner one night at the COUP and feel welcome with no hostility.

Awesome job on the review, my mouth waters everytime I read it! The chocolate Torte you made was delicious! I’m hoping for your upcoming post about it, you’ll have to make another! :) I’m very impressed with your writing and photography, just keeps getting better and better!

Angela ~ I just love your cowgirl outfit!!! I have a similar skirt (in black) and am thinking I need to get me some cowgirl boots so I can rock out like you!!!!!! Keep staying true to you! And sharing your zest for life with us!!!

My vote is in, good luck..
The food looks amazing! I might try to sneak the chocolate avocado torte to my father in-law who love good ol’ home baking, see if he notices anything different…evil laugh inserted here :0)

Very thorough, honest and well written restaurant review. I felt like I was there with you every mouthful along the way & that Banana Split is something I must try … and the photography … just breathtaking! You have given your readers a feel for Calgary, the healthy food/restaurant options that can be found in this City and a reason why Calgary is now known as the Heart of the New West :) Bravo!

Fabulous photos, excellent review and tremendous effort! I love the heart you pour into each challenge…It shines through! :) The food looks delicious. I must get my hands on that cookbook! Voting for you to the very end!!! Congrats!

Thank you sooo much for writing this post! My husband and I are going to Calgary sometime this spring and I will have to check this place out! (We live about a 5 hr drive away from Calgary and haven’t visited yet).

Angela
Wow! – you have done it again.
Love the photography of Calgary – and your Western Outfit. You look so charming.
Restaurant and food looks amazing. Sorry I missed this place when I was in Calgary a month ago. Wish I had already seen this post and I would have been sure to check it out.
Good luck getting to the next and final round.

I’m sad to say that I live in Calgary and still haven’t been to this restaurant! I have heard many amazing things about it though, and based on this post I am going to go there this weekend because it looks amazing! Just want to say that I love your blog (its pretty much the only one I read every day) and that you have converted me to a semi-vegan diet that I am loving :-). I’m really routing for you in this competition! Good luck!

I’ve been silently following your blog for about six months now, and just joined Foodbuzz solely so I can vote for you! Your blog is so inspiring and down to earth. Thank you for being such a constant positive voice in a world full of negativity, especially on the topic of self image. I really hope you win the challenge. Good luck!

omg!!! I am from calgary and right from the begining of your post with your title I knew you were gonna talk about the coup! Dont you just love it there?!!! I go at least once a week and have that cookbook:) You have to make the portebllo mushroom pasta with smoked tofu and Greek goddess-so good! And if you ever come back please try the tofu,yam and cashew burger. ahh its all good! anyways just thought it was cool how you were at my fav restaurant ,glad you liked it :)

So cute that your hubby commented on this great post! I am rooting for you…I really hope you win, I just love your site so much and have recommended it to so many people. I have been baking (and EATING!) a recipe from your site every weekend–just made the caramelized peanut blondies and they were the best thing that has ever come out of my oven. I was out of everything peanut so used toasted walnuts and half macadamia nut and half almond butter–YIKES THEY WERE SO GOOD!! My friend is getting lucky, I stuff myself silly on Saturday and give her what I managed to not eat on Sunday, she is getting some awesome food!!

I was just reading through your entry and for a second I forgot that you are vegan, but in a way that is so great, your food and great attitude appeals to so many people, and you are helping open up this amazing way of eating, and offer so many healthy alternatives that still appeal to an every day taste palate. I am so thankful for your site! I am an amazing grass, artisana convert because of you and can’t wait for your next posts and then to run to my kitchen! :)

You know why I love this post? Because I’m from Edmonton and I KNOW how hard it would have been anywhere in Alberta to try and find a great vegetarian restaurant! To put it simply, anything beyond meat-and-potatoes is a little out there. :)

Thank you for your wonderful posts – I love your blog, your writing style, and am so happy to have voted for you this entire way throughout PFB. I so appreciate a Canadian blogger being in the finals – I now live in the Toronto area and can completely relate to your writing. Thanks again!

aw man! I cannot believe you were less than a block away from me! Aw…
I’ve never been to The Coup (despite the distance) cause my honey and I just can’t dish out
for dinner too often. But it looks amazing and it is a well loved place. Looks like you had a great time on your visit, which is wonderful!!

I’m so glad you featured this place for your entry! This is one of my favorite restuarants in Calgary (and I live there so I’m lucky that I get to go all of the time!). The beet pate is my favorite thing in the world! I hope you enjoyed your time in Calgary and thanks for showing the rest of Canada (and the world) that we’re not all about beef and cowboys boots! Good luck!

Hey! I just clicked over to your blog to see who the last three contestants are in the F.B. game (smile). I read your whole post, and just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it. It was so well written and covered in terms of photography, and I’m not just saying that b/c I’m a vegetarian. Really nice. Thanks, Angela.
And good luck…

Lovely comments about the Coup, but it definitely was not Calgary’s first veg restaurant. Buddha’s veggie was operating long before the Coup, as was the Veggie House and Anpurna. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were others :) Just wanted to add the credit those businesses deserve :)

Hi Angela – thanks for this post! I’m interested in trying The Coup (I recently moved to a town just outside of Calgary), and it was great to hear that the prices are reasonable – their website doesn’t seem to list their prices. I’m sure you’ve tried Fresh in Toronto – is the price range similar? Also, do you remember what the vegan ice cream was made of? I can’t handle dairy/soy, and the banana split sounds delish! Thanks for your great blog – I have tried multiple recipes of yours and am always happy with the results, especially considering most of what I try is GF!